BMW says it will be the first automaker to offer a built-in weather map in its navigation system in Germany. The concept is not new - Ford and Acura, among others, offer such a system in North America, where the information is provided via the satellite radio - but itís the first time it will show up in Germany.

Called ConnectDrive in BMW-speak, the system should be available on several products for the 2010 model year. Itís unclear if BMW will offer the system in more markets.

The system will show precipitation forecasts that are updated every 15 minutes, as well as distribution of rain, snow or hail. Later, BMW will launch its Precipitation Pattern mode, which will show cloud movement animations for up to the previous 90 minutes.